Whilst Cambridge Analytica maintains it deleted the data after Facebook requested it do so, the company has been suspended from the social media platform.

Revelations in today's Guardian and in tomorrow's Observer, suggest Cambridge Analytica may have used the harvested data in their work on the Brexit Referendum and the Trump Presidential campaign. There is also a serious question about whether both companies misled a House of Commons Select Committee inquiry.

]]>facebook,cambridge analytica,scl group,data harvesting,trump,brexit,ethicsSat, 17 Mar 2018 15:50:20 +0000'Brexit an opportunity for public relations leadership' - CIPR reporthttp://newsroom.cipr.co.uk/brexit-an-opportunity-for-public-relations-leadership---cipr-report/
http://newsroom.cipr.co.uk/brexit-an-opportunity-for-public-relations-leadership---cipr-report/A new research report published today by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) suggests PR professionals are ideally positioned to lead UK businesses through the uncertainties of Brexit.
]]>Reflecting the views of more than 250 senior professionals, Brexit and Public Relations in 2018 (PDF) evidences the extent to which PR professionals - as well as their organisations and clients - are prepared for Brexit.

The research shows that more than three quarters of PR professionals (76%) believe Brexit is an opportunity for public relations to demonstrate leadership, with a further 60% agreeing that better engagement through public relations would improve their organisation’s Brexit preparations.

The results project the belief that strategic public relations - grounded in its ability to cultivate relationships and mutual understanding - can deliver clarity for businesses facing the complexities of Brexit.

Other key findings include:

More than quarter (28%) of agency professionals and in-house practitioners are offering Brexit briefings to clients

Less than a third of PR professionals (27%) have commissioned or conducted research into the impact of Brexit.

Respondents shared mixed views on their organisation's preparedness for Brexit - 38% disagreed that their organisation was ready for Brexit, while 35% agreed

Fewer than one in ten (8%) respondents were happy with the government's approach to Brexit

Almost a third (30%) of practitioners said their organisation was lobbying to change the Government's approach to Brexit.

Four ways to prepare for Brexit now

Once you have identified what Brexit means for your employer or client – analyse how they can mitigate the risk or exploit the opportunities. Focus your thinking on the contribution that you, as a PR professional, can make.

Make Brexit part of your personal development plan for 2018 – upgrade your skills and increase your knowledge. Talk to other professionals – if you work alongside HR, finance or legal professionals, what information can they share about the impact of Brexit that will enhance your understanding?

Develop your self-awareness. How resilient are you as a PR practitioner? How effective are you when operating in a volatile and uncertain environment? What can you do to build your confidence?

Reflect on your links to the leadership in any organisation you work for or with. Can you command their attention? Will they value your judgement on this subject? How can you get them to take your advice into consideration along with other professions represented at the boardroom table?

One of the ways UK businesses can address their resilience and productivity is to place greater emphasis on effective relationships with key stakeholders across the community. Public relations is a strategic management function which creates, sustains and strengthens relationships and reputations.

The Government's strategy outlines Five Foundations of Productivity and the CIPR believes an engaged and motivated workforce will be needed to boost productivity and make the most of UK's untapped potential.

The CIPR is further encouraged by the Government's emphasis on boosting productivity through training. As the UK's leading public relations training provider, the CIPR trains more than 2,000 professionals every year.

]]>brexit,productivity,internal communication,employee engagementWed, 29 Nov 2017 09:19:44 +0000PM's offer on EU citizens rights a "welcome first step"http://newsroom.cipr.co.uk/pms-offer-on-eu-citizens-rights-a-welcome-first-step/
http://newsroom.cipr.co.uk/pms-offer-on-eu-citizens-rights-a-welcome-first-step/The CIPR has welcomed the Prime Minister Theresa May's offer to grant 'UK settled status' to EU migrants who have lived in the United Kingdom for at least five years, but has called for greater clarity on the UK's future immigration policy.
]]>brexitFri, 23 Jun 2017 11:13:50 +0100Planning beyond Brexit: CIPR responds to the triggering of Article 50http://newsroom.cipr.co.uk/planning-beyond-brexit-cipr-responds-to-the-triggering-of-article-50/
http://newsroom.cipr.co.uk/planning-beyond-brexit-cipr-responds-to-the-triggering-of-article-50/The Prime Minister Theresa May has signed a letter to the European Union (EU), triggering formal proceedings for the UK’s departure. Two years from today the UK will cease to be an EU member.

The coming months could prove testing for organisations grappling with the uncertainty of Britain’s new relationship with EU member countries. It’s our job to provide clarity.

Route to BrexitAs the leading professional body for public relations in the UK and Europe, the CIPR is well placed to counsel policy makers and will do so with support and guidance from members. We actively encourage members to directly engage with those in their own sectors.

1. Influencing policyInfluencing Government during its negotiations is critical to the prosperity of your organisation in 2019 and beyond. The CIPR’s State of the Profession research showed that only half (51%) of the industry have implemented Brexit strategies or plan to do so soon. The remainder cannot afford to stand still.

2. Horizon scanningPublic relations professionals need to proactively research how Brexit might affect employees, suppliers and clients and consider how competitors may react. They need to ensure leaders have the tools they need to respond appropriately, from issues management to media readiness.

3. PlanningIf we are to hold the ear of CEOs and senior business leaders, we have to provide informed strategy and that begins with dialogue and scenario-planning. Thinking about the best and worse case outcomes of Brexit for your stakeholders is not an option – it’s a business imperative.

]]>BrexitWed, 29 Mar 2017 14:43:52 +0100Brexit negotiators must address rights of EU nationalshttp://newsroom.cipr.co.uk/brexit-negotiators-must-address-rights-of-eu-nationals/
http://newsroom.cipr.co.uk/brexit-negotiators-must-address-rights-of-eu-nationals/Last night Parliament voted not to provide any assurance to EU nationals living in the UK of their long-term security in advance of Brexit negotiations.

In common with many other professional services, the public relations industry employs a large number of EU nationals; people who are essential to the UK’s position as a world leader in PR, and to UK plc’s global service offer to clients around the world.
]]>Brexit,EU Nationals,public relations,communicationsTue, 14 Mar 2017 12:39:50 +0000#PR2017 spotlights issues and trends impacting PRhttp://newsroom.cipr.co.uk/pr2017-spotlights-issues-and-trends-impacting-pr/
http://newsroom.cipr.co.uk/pr2017-spotlights-issues-and-trends-impacting-pr/The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) has today launched #PR2017 - a free 25-page guide to the key trends, issues and opportunities impacting public relations in 2017.

Packed with insight from twenty CIPR regional, national and sector groups, #PR2017 offers a compelling snapshot of the challenges and events facing communicators in the year ahead.

The report harnesses local intelligence and sector-specific information to deliver powerful insights essential for communications planning.

Issues and trends within the report include:

The implications of the UK's decision to leave the European Union for PR professionals

The impact of post-truth politics and distrust of experts

The lessons for communicators ahead of the forthcoming French and German elections

The reputation of the healthcare sector and the consequences of the Government's plans to introduce a '7-day NHS'

]]>PR2017,communications 2017,PR trends,communications trends,brexit,post-truth prWed, 14 Dec 2016 11:16:28 +0000High Court's Brexit ruling epitomises comms failingshttp://newsroom.cipr.co.uk/high-courts-brexit-ruling-epitomises-comms-failings/
http://newsroom.cipr.co.uk/high-courts-brexit-ruling-epitomises-comms-failings/The President of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), Rob Brown FCIPR, has reacted to the High Court's decision denying Government the opportunity to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty without a parliamentary vote.

The CIPR National Conference is set to explore the strategic role of public relations following Britain's vote to leave the European Union. Join some of Europe's leading PR professionals including Alex Aiken, Government Communications and Colin Byrne, Weber Shandwick on 22 November at London's Barbican.